The fastest places to sell a guitar depend on how quickly you need the money and how much work you want to do

You can sell a guitar at a local music store, a pawn shop, online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, or a specialized site like Reverb. Each route has different fees, timelines, and audiences. A local music store pays less but handles the sale in one visit. Online sites reach more buyers and often bring higher prices, but you wait longer and handle shipping yourself. Pawn shops pay the least but give you cash the same day.

The choice depends on three things: how much money you need, how soon you need it, and whether you want to deal with shipping and photos. A guitar in good condition will sell faster and for more money than one with damage, regardless of where you list it.

Key Takeaways

  • Local music stores and pawn shops pay when ready but offer 40 to 60 percent of resale value, while online buyers typically pay 60 to 80 percent.
  • Reverb is the largest online marketplace for guitars and handles payment processing, but takes a 12 percent commission plus payment fees.
  • Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you avoid shipping fees by selling locally, but you meet strangers and handle the transaction yourself.
  • Pawn shops are the fastest option if you need cash today, though they pay the lowest price of any route.
  • Condition matters more than where you sell — a clean guitar with original case and all hardware sells faster and for more money everywhere.

Local music stores: when ready payment, lower price

A local music store will buy your guitar on the spot, usually for 40 to 60 percent of what they could resell it for. The store needs to make a profit when they sell it again, so they discount the price they offer you. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes — they inspect the guitar, test it, check for cracks or fret wear, and make an offer. If you accept, you walk out with cash or a store credit check the same day.

This route works best if you need money quickly, don't want to photograph and describe the guitar, and don't mind accepting a lower price. Bring the original case and any accessories (strap, cables, tuner) because stores pay more for a complete package. Call ahead to confirm the store buys used guitars — not all do, and some only buy certain brands.

Pawn shops: fastest cash, lowest price

A pawn shop will buy your guitar the same day for the lowest price of any option — typically 30 to 50 percent of resale value. The shop's business model depends on quick turnover and high margins, so the offer reflects that. The process is fast: they inspect the guitar, make an offer, and hand you cash within an hour.

Use a pawn shop only if you need money today and cannot wait for an online sale. Bring proof of ownership (receipt, credit card statement showing the purchase) because some shops require it. Do not expect negotiation — pawn shops make one offer and rarely move on price. The guitar will likely sit in the window at a marked-up price for weeks or months before it sells.

Reverb: largest online audience, 12 percent commission

Reverb is the largest online marketplace for guitars and musical instruments. It reaches millions of buyers worldwide, which means your guitar has the best chance of selling for close to market value. Reverb takes a 12 percent commission on the sale price, plus payment processing fees of around 3 percent. If you sell a guitar for $500, you receive roughly $425 after all fees.

The process takes three to seven days from listing to payment. You create a listing with photos, condition notes, and price. Reverb handles payment from the buyer and deposits money into your bank account. You pack and ship the guitar yourself, which costs $30 to $60 depending on distance. Reverb provides a shipping label and insurance, but you are responsible for safe packing.

Reverb works best if you have time to wait and want the highest price. The site attracts serious musicians and collectors who pay more for quality instruments. Take clear photos of the front, back, headstock, and any damage. Be honest about condition — Reverb buyers expect detailed descriptions and will return guitars that don't match the listing.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: no fees, local sales

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you sell to local buyers without paying commission or shipping fees. You set the price, take the photos, write the description, and handle the sale yourself. The buyer comes to you, inspects the guitar, and pays cash. The whole transaction happens in one meeting.

This route avoids the 12 percent Reverb commission and shipping costs, but it requires more work and carries more risk. You meet a stranger, handle cash, and have no protection if the buyer claims the guitar is damaged after they leave. Post clear photos and an honest description of condition. Meet in a public place during daylight — a coffee shop parking lot or music store parking lot works well. Bring the guitar in its case so the buyer can inspect it fully.

Prices on Marketplace and Craigslist tend to be lower than Reverb because the audience is smaller and local. You may wait weeks for the right buyer. Set a firm price and stick to it — local buyers often try to negotiate down.

eBay: wider reach, higher fees, longer timeline

eBay reaches a large audience but charges higher fees than Reverb — typically 12.9 percent in final value fees plus payment processing. You also pay for shipping, which you calculate and the buyer reimburses. The auction format means you wait seven to ten days for bidding to close, then another week for payment and shipping.

eBay works if you have time and want a wide audience. The site attracts casual buyers as well as collectors, so prices vary more than on Reverb. Use auction format if you are unsure of the guitar's value — let bidders set the price. Use fixed price if you know what you want and can wait for the right buyer. Take multiple photos and describe any scratches, dents, or fret wear honestly. eBay buyers return items frequently, so condition descriptions matter.

Specialty sites: niche audiences, lower volume

Sites like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Guitar Center have trade-in programs, though they typically pay less than Reverb or local stores. These sites cater to their own customer base and use trade-in value as a way to encourage new purchases. You may receive store credit instead of cash, which only helps if you plan to buy from them.

Local Facebook groups for musicians or guitar enthusiasts can also work. These groups have smaller audiences than Marketplace but attract serious buyers who know guitars. Post a clear listing with photos and price. Expect to answer questions about the brand, model, year, and condition. Local groups often have less haggling than Craigslist because members know each other.

What affects how much you get paid

The condition of your guitar matters more than where you sell it. A clean guitar with no cracks, a straight neck, and working electronics sells for 60 to 80 percent of retail value. A guitar with a cracked body, worn frets, or dead pickups sells for 30 to 50 percent, regardless of the marketplace.

Brand and model also matter. Fender, Gibson, Martin, and Taylor guitars hold value better than unknown brands. A 20-year-old Martin acoustic will sell faster and for more money than a 5-year-old no-name electric. Vintage guitars (more than 30 years old) sometimes appreciate, but only if they are in good condition and from a recognized maker.

Completeness affects price too. A guitar with the original case, strap, cables, and documentation sells for 10 to 20 percent more than the same guitar without them. If you have the original receipt or paperwork, include photos of it in your listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what price to ask?

Search for your guitar's brand and model on Reverb and eBay to see what similar guitars in similar condition are selling for. Check the completed listings, not just active ones, to see what actually sold. Price your guitar 5 to 10 percent below the average if you want it to sell quickly, or at the average if you can wait.

Do I need to ship the guitar if I sell it online?

On Reverb and eBay, yes — the buyer expects shipping included or available. On Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you can specify local pickup only and avoid shipping entirely. Shipping a guitar costs $30 to $60 and requires a sturdy case and padding to prevent damage in transit.

What if the buyer says the guitar arrived damaged?

On Reverb and eBay, the buyer can file a claim and you may have to refund them or accept a return. This is why packing matters — use a hard case, wrap it in bubble wrap, and use a box at least two inches larger than the case on all sides. Take photos of the packed guitar before you ship it as proof of condition.

Should I clean the guitar before selling it?

Yes. Wipe down the body, neck, and fretboard with a soft cloth. Clean the hardware and tuning pegs. A clean guitar looks better in photos and suggests you took care of it. You do not need to refinish or repair it — be honest about wear and damage instead.

Can I sell a guitar I don't have the original receipt for?

Yes. You do not need proof of purchase to sell a used guitar. Buyers care about the guitar's condition and sound, not your ownership history. If you have the receipt, include a photo of it because it adds credibility, but its absence will not stop a sale.